Archive for the ‘Subaru BRZ’ Category

Subaru has taken the 2018 Chicago Auto Show by storm with no fewer than eight limited-edition models, all built to celebrate the brand’s 50th anniversary on the U.S. market. All but the new Ascent crossover gained this special package, but the upgrades are far from spectacular. With just a few extra features, an exclusive paint, and new wheels, the 50th Anniversary models are just as common as any other limited-edition vehicles we’ve seen from Subaru at other small auto shows around the world. And the fact that the BRZ was included in this run makes things even more disappointing.

“Around for six years now, the Subaru BRZ — along its Toyota-badged 86 sibling — has received very few updates up until now”

Around for six years now, the Subaru BRZ — along its Toyota-badged 86 sibling — has received very few updates up until now. But while the lack of design upgrades is somewhat understandable until the next-generation model arrives, it’s very frustrating that Subaru chose to keep the engine unchanged for six full years. Sure, the 2016 “facelift” added five horsepower and five pound-feet of torque, but those figures are laughable and do nothing to improve performance. In 2017, Subaru launched the cool BRZ tS and BRZ STI Sport Edition, but the engine compartment was ignore once again.

The 50th Anniversary model is no different, although such an important event would have been perfect for the launch of the highly-anticipated turbo upgrade. As it turns out, Subaru doesn’t have such plans…

“The fact that production is limited to only 250 units makes it somewhat appealing, but it's still a mundane BRZ with extra trim”

Granted, this new limited-edition model comes with a few interesting features, such as the exclusive Heritage Blue Paint, the silver accents inside the cabin, and the extra equipment of the Limited trim, but it’s nowhere near as special as it should be. The fact that production is limited to only 250 units makes it somewhat appealing, but it’s still a mundane BRZ with extra trim.

Placed right between Detroit and Geneva, two of the year’s most important automotive events, the Chicago Auto Show is rarely something to write home about. And in recent years it has become the venue where automakers launch many special-edition and limited-edition models. The 2018 even is no exception from this rule and Subaru just showcased eight limited-edition models to celebrate its 50th anniversary on U.S. soil. The lineup includes all but the recently unveiled Ascent crossover: the BRZ,Crosstrek,Forester,Impreza,Legacy,Outback,WRX, and WRX STI.

Based on high-level trims and built in very limited numbers, the 50th Anniversary models share many features, including the new Heritage Blue paint, satin chrome trim, and new aluminum wheel designs. All but the BRZ, WRX, and WRX STI also have satin chrome mirror caps, while the BRZ doesn’t come with aluminum wheels. Inside, there’s black upholstery with silver stitching, silver seatbelts, and 50th Anniversary logos embroidered on the front seats and carpeted floor mats. Each models is based on a high-level trim that adds extra standard features, including EyeSight Driver Assist technology.

Production is limited between 200 and 1,050 units, depending on the model. The WRX STI the rarest with only 200 examples, while the BRZ, Forester 2.0 XT Touring, Legacy 3.6R Limited, and Outback 3.6R Limited will be produced in 250 units. Other Forester, Legacy and Outback variants will be made in 800 units each, while the Crosstrek will get 1,050 examples.

Placed right between Detroit and Geneva, two of the year’s most important automotive events, the Chicago Auto Show is rarely something to write home about. And in recent years it has become the venue where automakers launch many special-edition and limited-edition models. The 2018 even is no exception from this rule and Subaru just showcased eight limited-edition models to celebrate its 50th anniversary on U.S. soil. The lineup includes all but the recently unveiled Ascent crossover: the BRZ,Crosstrek,Forester,Impreza,Legacy,Outback,WRX, and WRX STI.

Based on high-level trims and built in very limited numbers, the 50th Anniversary models share many features, including the new Heritage Blue paint, satin chrome trim, and new aluminum wheel designs. All but the BRZ, WRX, and WRX STI also have satin chrome mirror caps, while the BRZ doesn’t come with aluminum wheels. Inside, there’s black upholstery with silver stitching, silver seatbelts, and 50th Anniversary logos embroidered on the front seats and carpeted floor mats. Each models is based on a high-level trim that adds extra standard features, including EyeSight Driver Assist technology.

Production is limited between 200 and 1,050 units, depending on the model. The WRX STI the rarest with only 200 examples, while the BRZ, Forester 2.0 XT Touring, Legacy 3.6R Limited, and Outback 3.6R Limited will be produced in 250 units. Other Forester, Legacy and Outback variants will be made in 800 units each, while the Crosstrek will get 1,050 examples.

Those of you who have been waiting with baited breath to hear the price figures of the Subaru WRX STI Type RA and the BRZ tS can all breathe a sigh of relief now. The Japanese automaker has officially gone public with the pricing of the two new models, and in a stroke of good fortune, they’re not as expensive as we thought. The track-focused WRX STI Type RA, for example, will cost $49,855 with delivery. Meanwhile, the Subaru BRZ tS will carry a price tag of $34,355. They’re pricier than their standard models, but that’s to be expected for two models that are limited to just 500 units apiece.

“For comparison’s sake, the base STI carries a price of $36,995 while the base BRZ hits us in the wallet to the tune of $26,315”

For comparison’s sake, the base STI carries a price of $36,995 while the base BRZ hits us in the wallet to the tune of $26,315. Do a little math and you’re looking at an extra $12,800 for the WRX STI Type RA and $8,020 more in added cost for the BRZ tS. That’s the bad news. The good news is it could’ve been more so we’ll take these small victories when we get them.

Now that we know how much these two limited edition track-focused models cost, it’s time to see what kind of cars we’re actually getting if we decide to buy one of them. Let’s first look at the Subaru WRX STI Type RA. The most important aspect of this limited edition STI is the power bump, which goes up to 305 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque from a 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer engine. That was achieved with the addition of a new cold air intake, a high-flow performance exhaust, stronger pistons, and a tuned ECU. In addition, the WRX STI Type RA also gets a carbon fiber roof and wing, inverted front struts, a short-throw shifter with a revised third gear, improved stability control, and a new set of 19-inch BBS wheels wrapped in Yokohama Advan Sport tires, among others. Cosmetic upgrades on the sedan include red and black cosmetic accents and a Type RA badge on the trunk.

“The WRX STI Type RA also gets a carbon fiber roof and wing, inverted front struts, a short-throw shifter with a revised third gear, improved stability control, and a new set of 19-inch BBS wheels”

Now let’s move on to the Subaru BRZ tS. It’s a similar story here as the main highlights of the special edition BRZ revolve around mechanical improvements made to the car. It still carries the same amount of power as the standard BRZ — 206 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque —
but it also gets a manually adjustable carbon-fiber rear spoiler, a black body kit, STI-tuned Sachs dampers and coil springs, a V-brace in the engine bay, a stiffer chassis, and a set of 18-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires.

I don’t think I’m alone in recognizing Halloween as one of the best holidays ever. In addition to pumpkin carving and excessive amounts of candy consumption, it’s an excuse to dress up in costume, giving us one day out of the year to become whoever (or whatever) we want. Of course, sometimes, this charade continues regardless of what the calendar says, even in the automotive world. Indeed, there are many cars out there right now masquerading as something other than what they really are. For whatever reason, these cars are draped in a costume that hides what they truly are underneath.

Carmakers do this for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, it’s because two car companies collaborate on a project and create something together. Sometimes, one car company adopts the bones of another brand’s car and slaps on new badges. Whatever the case, we’ve assembled here a list of dressed-up cars to keep you from getting tricked, no matter how sweet the treat might be. Read on to learn more, and don’t hesitate to provide your own examples of “Costumed” cars in the comments!

This one should be pretty obvious. Developed as a joint venture between Subaru and Toyota, the BRZ and 86 are practically identical, with just a few minor differences to tell them apart. Outside, there are several small cosmetic alterations and slightly different headlights, while inside, the trim and equipment varies a bit between the two models. The suspension tuning is also slightly different.

The rest of it, however, is the same. That includes all the important stuff, like the platform, the engine, and the transmission options. Basically, everywhere it matters, these two are the same.

Upon its release for the 2017 model year, the Fiat 124 Spider was hailed as the glorious return of the small Italian roadster, a topless homage to the brilliance of Fiat’s past and the possibilities of its future. However, there was just one problem – it wasn’t a Fiat. It was a Mazda.

Okay, maybe that’s a bit of an overstatement, especially considering the similarities seen between the above-featured Subaru and Toyota. After all, the Fiat does get a good deal of unique gear to call its own. The suspension is new, as is the turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder under the hood. The exterior styling is totally different as well. What’s more, buyers can upgrade to the even-sportier Abarth edition if so inclined, gaining a new limited-slip differential and a throatier exhaust.

Still, the 124 uses the Mazda’s platform and several of its minor components, and even gets built in the same factory as the MX-5. All told, the bones of this Italian are Japanese.

Less you think its just $30,000 sports cars that can play this costume game, we had to throw in this pair as well. Here’s the deal – Lamborghini likes to tout itself as a preeminent supercar brand rocking a long history of making incredible performance machines with few to no rivals. And that’s true. It’s just that since 1998, the Raging Bull has operated under the Volkswagen Group umbrella, which means brands like Audi can now say the same thing.

Take the Huracan and R8. Both get over 600 horsepower from a mid-mounted 5.2-liter V-10, routing power through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Both also get the same low-weight, high-rigidity chassis. But sure, the Lambo is the one to get if being noticed is a top priority… but either way, you don’t have to dig deep to see it’s basically a disguised Audi.

Times like this, picking a sports car can get a little tricky, especially when money is no object. The range of options cuts across different segments and if you really want to make an impression, the cost of getting one could run up in the seven figures. But for those who don’t have the proverbial “unli-funds” at their disposal, buying a sports car becomes a little bit more difficult. For one, a large number of options are pulled off of the table because of their costs. Then there’s the prospect of availability.

But there is some good news. Just because money’s tight, doesn’t mean that the market becomes slim pickings. Far from it actually. Just lower those expectations, and you might find themselves having more than enough options to consider. And, since we’re in the business of helping others out, we’ve put up a list of some sweet performance rides that buyers can score for less than $50,000. I’m purposefully leaving out performance hatchbacks out of this list because they’re an entirely different category of their own. So we’re going with coupes and sedans, some of which can go as cheap as $20,000 while others can max out at or near the $50,000. The point is that they’re affordable and can put buyers one step closer to finally scoring that long-awaited performance car purchase.

Still one of the best values in the market today, the Ford Mustang remains one of America’s most popular performance cars for good reason. The latest version of the iconic pony car can still get the job done on the performance end. It has 435 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque on tap courtesy of a 5.0-liter turbo V-8. It can hit 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and do 0 to 124 mph in 13 seconds at 112 miles per hour. And don’t mistake its 164-mph top speed for a slouch. The Mustang is all business, all the time. It’s also one of the most customized cars in the business today so buyers who want to get a little extra on the ’Stang GT can still do so without burning holes in their bank accounts. Best of all, the Mustang GT starts at just $35,095, though if that price is still too steep, there is an option to get the base ‘Stang version, which starts at $25,585.

Any mention of the Mustang must be followed by a mention of the Chevrolet Camaro. There’s no rule against it, but the two have become synonymous with each other that referring to one without the other is like talking about pizza without cheese and pepperoni. In any event, the Camaro SS checks all the same boxes that the Mustang GT does. It’s capable of producing 455 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque. Those numbers allow it to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and 0 to 124 mph in 12.3 seconds at 116 mph. And if you’re comparing the Mustang GT with the Camaro SS, know that the latter can also hit a top speed of 165 mph. The Camaro SS is a little more expensive at $37,995, but again, if that’s too expensive, there is an option to get the base Camaro for just $26,900.

I was tempted to put the Dodge Challenger in here to complete the muscle car troika, but I ultimately opted to go with the Challenger’s performance car sibling, the Dodge Charger. It’s not just the Charger too; it’s the Charger R/T Scat Pack, the gnarly variant that features a 485-horsepower 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine. Its power output is complemented by a 475 pound-feet worth of torque, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds, 0 to 124 mph in 16.1 seconds, and 0-to-a-quarter-mile in 12.6 seconds at 111 mph. Top speed has been rated at 160 mph, making it as potent as any “affordable” sports car in its segment. It’s priced at $41,090, which is a little pricier than the Mustang GT and the Camaro SS. There’s still no shame in getting the Charger R/T Scat Pack, though if the move is to only get a base version, the 292-horsepower base SE trim starts at just $27,995.

Let’s switch things up by featuring one of the best performance imports to come out of Japan: the Subaru WRX STI. It’s not the range-topping model – that would be the WRX STI Limited – but it’s arguably the best value for a customer’s money. Power comes from a 2.5-liter boxer four engine that pumps out 305 horsepower and 290 pound-feet of torque. That allows the performance sedan to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 160 mph. It may not be the performance treat that it once was, but with extra features like limited-slip differential and torque vectoring, it’s still good enough to make for a memorable ride without buyers having to worry about explaining how much they spent for it.

Want something that’s new and different? Well, the Alfa Romeo Giulia is as good a choice as any. It may not have as much power and performance as the muscle cars on this list, but it still features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit that produces 280 horsepower and 306 pound-feet of torque. Those figures translate to a sprint-to-60-mph time of just 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 149 mph. The numbers back up what would be a solid purchase, especially when you see that the cars the Giulia directly competes against are much more expensive than the Alfa. Take the BMW 340i for example. It has the numbers edge on the Giulia –
320 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque – but it’s also around $10,000 more expensive.

Speaking of the BMW 340i, the performance sedan still falls under the $50,000 threshold so technically; it qualifies on this list. And why wouldn’t it? If you had the budget, this is the BMW to get. There are cheaper Bimmers available, but the value for money is best on this variant of the 3er. It carries a lot of the elements of the 3 Series and packages all of it with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder engine that produces 320 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. Those figures help carry the 340i to an acceleration time to 60 mph of just 4.8 seconds. Just as important, it’s quarter-mile time was clocked at 13.3 seconds at 106 mph, close to what the Mustang GT and Camaro SS are capable of. All of that for a car with a BMW badge at a price that barely reaches $50,000? Seems like a good deal to me.

If you’re itching for a version of BMW’s M division, the best you can do at this price range is the M240i xDrive. Don’t be disappointed though because this coupe is very capable in a lot of different ways. It features the very best of BMW design, has advanced safety and performance techs, and is crowned by a 3.0-liter inline-six engine that produces 340 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Those numbers are a good way to get from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds to go with a top speed of 155 mph. There is a way to get the price down to just $44,450 – a $2,000 savings – but that would mean opting out of Bimmer’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system. That may be a good option for those who want a challenge out of their M240is, but I’d still suggest getting the xDrive unit just to make it worth the purchase of the sports coupe.

For the record, if there was one model that I’d suggest a buyer gets from this list, it’s the Audi S3. I’m particularly impressed by how the S3 looks. Credit to Audi in that regard because it has managed to make its design language look applicable across its entire range. It doesn’t matter if its the S3 or the S7, the genetics of Audi styling is present in all of them. On top of that, the S3 is also a capable performance sedan, thanks in large part to a 2.0-liter turbocharged TFSI four-cylinder engine that’s good for 292 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It’s a little short of what the BMW 340i can produce, but the S3 makes up for it with a sprint-to-60-mph time of 4.7 seconds, 0.1 seconds quicker than the 340i. Just as impressive is the fact that the S3 can also cover a quarter-mile distance in just 13.3 seconds, exactly the same as its BMW counterpart. Top speed is also rated at 155 mph, so the Audi sedan doesn’t suffer in that regard either. All that and you have a car that’ll only cost you $42,900.

If power is the be-all and end-all of your purchase preference, there’s no better sub-$50,000 purchase than the Infiniti Q50 Red Sport. There’s a lot to like about the Q50 Red Sport. For one, it’s a range-topping model, which means that it boasts of every available technology that Infiniti is using for the Q50 line. There’s also something to be said better-than-expected design. It’s not as sporty-looking as the Audi S3, but there is a nice balance to its sporty design that also hints at a premium look without one trait drowning out the other. Oh, and as far as performance sedan goes, the Q50 Red Sport’s 400-horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque output puts it in a league of its own as it offers the most power for a car of its size that costs under $50,000. All those ponies waiting to be unleashed can moveQ50 Red Sport spring from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds on its way to reaching a quarter-mile distance in 13 seconds at 109 mph.

I debated on whether I should put these two cars on this list because quite frankly, they’re still a disappointment to me. But I am compelled to talk about them regardless because they do return good value for the price. Both the 86 and the BRZ only produce 205 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque, but the catch is with these two is that they look like proper sports cars and they perform like one too. The 86, for example, can hit 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 147 mph while the BRZ can cover the same ground in 6.6 seconds before maxing out at a similar top speed. The best part about these two models though is that they’re cheap relative to the cars on this list. The 86, for example, sells for just $26,255 while the BRZ’s top-of-the-line 2.0 Yellow Series variant starts at just $30,515. As far as value for money, these two sports coupes are as good as anything you can get without having to pay a fortune for either one of them.

The Subaru BRZ has been around for quite some time now, and it’s racked up about as many special edition models as any model that’s out on the market today. Don’t look now but it appears that Subaru isn’t done with this exercise because it’s rolling out a new SE model in time for the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. The model is called the BRZ STI Sport, and it benefits from getting exclusive upgrades on unheralded sections of the sports car. It does, after all, wear the STI badge and we know what that means, right?

Let’s get this straight from the get-go. The BRZ STI Sport Edition does not feature any engine upgrades. It still carries the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine that pumps out 205 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. It’s adequate power for a car like the BRZ, but not enough to really make a statement. This is where STI comes in because this special edition BRZ isn’t about power gains; it’s about the thrill of the ride and the handles that go with it. A car like the BRZ is prepared to give drivers the thrill of performance driving, regardless of the amount of power it has. That’s what the BRZ STI Sport is all about, and rest assured, that kind of selling point is a big reason why the special edition sports car is expected to be a hot-seller once it gets out in the market. Only a limited number of BRZ STI Sport Edition models are expected to be released, including just 100 units of a high-spec version that will come with an exclusive paint finish.

Continue after the jump to read more about the Subaru BRZ STI Sport Edition.

What makes the Subaru BRX STI special

On the surface, the Subaru BRZ STI Sport Edition looks exactly like a regular BRZ. It doesn’t have the fancy colors of the BRZ ts STI, the racing stripes of the BRZ Special Edition, or the massive rear wing of the BRZ ts. None of that matters though because the BRZ STI promotes an identity of its own, and that identity is grounded on the appeal of offering a car that puts top-of-the-line handling above all else.

“Subaru even said that only 100 units of the BRZ STI Sport Edition will get this exclusive Cool Grey Khaki color”

It still gets some vanity upgrades, particularly a bespoke Cool Grey Khaki paint finish that’s reserved for the highest-spec version of the coupe. Subaru even said that only 100 units of the BRZ STI Sport Edition will get this exclusive body color. On the aero front, the sports car also gets its own rear wing, albeit much smaller than the monstrosity that was on the 2018 BRZ ts. There are also interior upgrades to speak of, including the use of STI-branded sport bucket seats to go along with a black and red interior motif. That’s about the extent of the aesthetic features, and there are no fancy aeros to speak of, no use of premium materials, and certainly none of those plaques that don’t really do anything except remind those who see them of the car’s perceived exclusivity.

The Subaru BRZ STI Sport Edition is, by and large, a driver’s kind of car. It’s defined largely by all the mechanical enhancements given to it. It has a more rigid body and an improved suspension tuning, the latter of which is the main reason why Subaru is touting the car as having the chops to offer drivers “pure handling delight.” It’s not the sexiest way to describe it, but for a car that emphasizes function over form, the BRZ STI Sport Edition has little time for vanity. It’s meant to be a driver’s car, and for what it’s worth, it has the makings of one.

“A lottery will take place at some point wherein winners will be randomly selected.”

Here’s the bad news though. From the looks of it, the BRZ STI Sport Edition is not coming to the US. It might not even come to Europe as it looks like the model is going to be sold exclusively in Japan. Would-be customers in Japan can actually sign up to buy one already, except that they can’t just because they were the first in line to do so. According to the automaker, a lottery will take place at some point wherein winners will be randomly selected. It’s an unusual procedure for sure, but it’s Subaru’s game so we’ll have to live with it. In any case, more details about the car and the lottery procedures are expected to be unveiled at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show in late October.

Don’t worry, there’s a chance for us to get a “better” version of the BRZ STI Sport Edition.

I understand the feeling of disappointment that comes with getting jilted on a special edition car. The Subaru BRZ STI Sport Edition looks like it’s going to be massively fun to drive, but it’s not coming here, so that’s that. Fortunately, not all hope is lost because us here in America will get something similar, or maybe even better than the BRZ STI Sport Edition.

Yes, I’m talking about the 2018 BRZ ts, the same special edition that has that can’t-miss, STI-branded carbon fiber rear spoiler. In some ways, the BRZ ts has everything you want out of the Tokyo Motor Show-bound BRZ STI Sport Edition, plus a few extra options to choose from. For instance, it’s going to be offered in three different colors, including Crystal Black Silica, Crystal White Pearl, and Subaru’s famous WR (World Rally) Blue Pearl. It also features modest aero upgrades in the form of underspoilers located in the front, side, and rear of the car. Altogether, these spoilers should be able to improve airflow, resulting in better traction and stability for the car. Since we’re here already talking up the BRZ ts, let’s not forget that it’s also getting a set of lightweight 18-inch wheels, the first such time that a BRZ is getting wheels of this size straight from the factory. Power for the BRZ ts also sticks to its stock figures so expect the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine with 206 ponies and 156 pound-feet of twist on tap. Not great in terms of numbers, but did you expect anything more?

“Power for the BRZ ts also sticks to its stock figures so expect the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine with 206 ponies and 156 pound-feet of twist on tap”

All that said, this is the best part about the BRZ ts. There’s no lottery involved in buying one. All you have to do is be vigilant with information regarding the car’s release date – tentatively scheduled for the early part of 2018 – and spring to action once the official information is available. Remember, Subaru is only producing 500 of these bad boys so yes, first-come, first-serve definitely applies.

Sometimes, it’s better to just swallow the bitter pill and accept things for what they’re worth. No more is that more important than after Motor Authority essentially heard confirmation from two Subaru officials that the the current-generation BRZ will not get turbocharged, STI, or convertible versions. Since the BRZ’s counterpart in Toyota, the 86, is basically the same car, don’t pin all those hopes and dreams on the 86 going the turbocharged route either.

The good news is that the “no turbocharged version” confirmation only affects the current-generation BRZ, and for what it’s worth, the decision to steer clear of that route makes sense considering that the BRZ and 86 are already five years old and second-generation models for both sports cars have already been confirmed. It’s simply too late in life for these coupes to get a turbocharger.

So for now, the current states of both sports coupes will remain the same. The Subaru BRZ and the Toyota 86 will continue to be powered by 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that pumps out 205 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. They may not have gotten turbochargers from their respective companies, but at least there’s that five-horsepower and five-pound-feet of torque bump from that mid-life cycle.

Like I said, sometimes we just have to take the good with the bad and hope for brighter days ahead. Fortunately, neither Subaru nor Toyota have given indications on whether turbochargers will be included with the second-gen versions of the BRZ and Toyota, respectively. As long as that possibility is still on the table, we’ll take it.

Subaru is rolling out another special edition version of the BRZ for the Japanese market and before anybody starts throwing tantrums on why the U.S. market is getting jilted yet again with the special edition love, settle down. We already have it as the optional “Performance Package” that’s available for the manual Limited trim of the 2017 model year BRZ.

Unlike here in the U.S., the Japanese market will get the model as the BRZ GT, otherwise known as the range-topping version of the sports coupe. The upgrades are relatively the same with the only exception being that the GT trim in Japan will also receive some cosmetic goodies to go with all the performance enhancements.

So the BRZ GT really isn’t that much of a special edition model, at least when you compare it to some of Subaru’s past special editions. Nevertheless, it is limited and only our friends over in Japan get it as an actual exclusive. Subaru didn’t say how many of the BRZ GT models would be made available in Japan, but sales are expected to start on November 7, 2016 with the GT available in either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic and priced at 3,315,600 million yen ($31,900) and 3,375,000 million yen ($32,500), respectively.

Japanese automaker Subaru filed a trademark application for the “BRZ tS” name for use here in the United States back in January 2016, and now a new report claims that the moniker was recently registered to the company’s U.S. division.

According to AutoGuide, the trademark was applied for use on “Vehicles; apparatus for locomotion by land, air or water.” And while these kind of trademarks are generally applied for companies to protect their property, Subaru might have other intentions for this one. Specifically, the automaker may be preparing an U.S. version of the BRZ tS that it launched in Japan in 2015.

Why do I think this is not another case of keeping intellectual property safety policies? Well, the timing of the trademark is rather unusual. Given that the BRZ tS was launched a year ago, Subaru would have filed such a trademark back in 2015. Not to mention that a new version of the coupe would be more than welcome on the U.S .market, despite not having the highly anticipated drivetrain updates.

As a brief reminder, the BRZ tS is basically a standard model enhanced with STI parts inside and out. While the upgrade is pretty much about new badges and upholstery options, the chassis employs a sportier suspension system, while the unique 18-inch wheels benefit from 17-inch Brembo brake disks at all four corners. The drivetrain remains unchanged, but since it will be released after Subaru update for the 2017 model year, the 2.0-liter boxer engine should get five extra horses and five additional pound-feet with the six-speed manual transmission. Specifically, drivers who prefer to row their own will get 205 horsepower and 156 pound-feet, while those who favor automatics get the standard 200 ponies and 151 pound-feet.

There’s no word as to when the BRZ tS will hit U.S. dealerships, but if Subaru really wants to offer it here, it could break cover by the end of 2016.

The Subaru BRZ and its corporate cousins, the Toyota 86 and Scion FR-S, have been around since 2013. Relatively little changes have taken place since then, excluding 2016 being Scion’s last year in existence. However, Subaru has spiced things up with the Series.HyperBlue edition. It’s a play off the Series.Blue edition Subaru offered for 2015, but adds this can’t-miss-it HyperBlue color, black wheels, black badging, and black mirror caps. Beyond the color, a handful of blue accents in the cabin, and its super limited 500-unit production run, this BRZ retains all parts found in the standard car.

Nevertheless, the BRZ Series.HyperBlue is worth looking at. I had the chance to do that a while back when Subaru delivered one to my driveway for a week. It came packing the excellent six-speed manual transmission mated to the standard 2.0-liter flat-four cylinder and rear-wheel drive.

It didn’t take long to find a couple updates Subaru gave the entire BRZ line for 2016, namely the updated 6.2-inch Starlink infotainment system. No longer does it look like an aftermarket head unit, but rather a more integrated and better-conceived design. A frameless rearview mirror also adds a touch of class.

So what’s it like to live with the 2016 Subaru BRZ Series.HyperBlue? Keep reading to find out.

Launched in 2012, the BRZ is a sports car that resulted from a collaboration between Japanese manufacturers Subaru and Toyota. Launched alongside its identical siblings, the Toyota 86 and Scion FR-S — the latter discontinued in 2016 — the BRZ is sold globally with the Subaru-developed, 2.0-liter boxer engine and either a manual or automatic transmission. The coupe was updated for the 2017 model year, receiving revised exterior elements, various interior upgrades, chassis tweaks, and a mild power bump for models equipped with the manual gearbox.

While the BRZ, much like the Toyota 86 and Scion FR-S, has been deprived of significant upgrades in its four years on the market, the three companies have rolled out countless special editions as of 2016. The most recent one is the Series.Yellow Special Edition, which Subaru will put on sale for the 2017 model year. If the “Series” nomenclature sounds familiar, it’s because Scion has also launched a couple of versions using a similar badge, most notably the Release Series 2.0. With Scion no longer operating in the U.S., it’s now up to Subaru to provide customers with limited-edition models.

Much like previous special versions of the Japanese coupe, the Series.Yellow sports mild updates inside and out and a special exterior color. However, this model also features a few chassis upgrades that can’t be had on the standard model, unless certain optional packages are selected. Find out more about that below.

Continue reading to learn more about the Subaru BRZ Series.Yellow Special Edition.

Right around the turn of the decade Subaru and Toyota teamed up to jointly develop a compact, rear-wheel driven sports car. Come 2012, and we were graced with Toyota GT86 and the Subaru BRZ. The same car was also marketed as the FR-S through Toyota’s Scion brand until the brand was dissolved in 2016. For 2017, Subaru has revamped the BRZ to bring some new features to the aging sports car. For starters, the front fascia has been revised, and the car will now come standard with 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels. BRZ Premium models will now get automatic headlights with automatic adjustment, simulated leather on the center dash trim, daytime running lights, hill start assist, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, body-colored aluminum spoiler, and vehicle stability control. Limited models get even more goodies, including LED fog lights, a new instrument cluster, and the option for paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

The new goodies don’t stop there. Limited trim models can opt for those paddle-shift control switches and a shift lever boot with simulated leather and red stitching. All models equipped with a manual transmission can also be optioned with a new performance package that adds on black alloy wheels, Brembo brake system, and Sachs shock absorbers in the front and rear. As you can see, most of the new goodies come the Premium and Limited trims, but they should help to keep the model fresh until Subaru (and Toyota for that matter) can manage to usher in a new generation for the compact sports car.

So, now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive on into the details of the 2017 Subaru BRZ and talk about what will help it prevail until that next generation finally comes to be.

Update 07/14/2016: Subaru is preparing to launch the 2017 Subaru BRZ and, as such, has released pricing information for each model and the optional performance package.

The Subaru BRZ has etched its name into the Guinness Book of World Records, becoming the record-holder for accomplishing the “tightest 360-degree spin” in the world. Stunt driver and world record holder Alastair Moffat effectively steered the BRZ into the record books at the 2016 Autosport International Show.

Setting world records is nothing new to Moffat, who already has a handful of them in his name, including the “tightest reverse parallel park” and “tightest parallel park”. But, unlike those records that he set with old Mini Coopers or Fiat 500s, he used a 14-foot BRZ for a record-breaking attempt that involved driving between two rows of parked cars 2.25 meters apart and performing a full 360-degree spin and continue driving without touching any of the vehicles. The existing record was 2.5 meters, which was achieved in 2014.

Making things a little bit trickier for Moffat was that he was going to drive a rear-wheel drive BRZ in the attempt, far different than the front-wheel drive vehicles that were used in setting the old records. But, Moffat didn’t earn the moniker of world’s greatest car parker by just being good at what he does. He earned it because he’s the best at it, and he proved it once again by successfully performing the stunt and securing the world record for himself and the BRZ.

It’s hardly the most impressive record to be a part of, but if you watch the video and see Moffat and the BRZ in action, it’s actually pretty impressive in it of itself. So yeah, congratulations are in order for the world’s ace parker and the always engaging BRZ.

Boasting about how easy your car spins may sound like the wrong way of promoting it, but in the case of the Subaru BRZ that is actually a good thing. The rear-wheel-drive sports car has just set a Guinness World Record for the tightest 360° spin at Autosport International’s Live Action Arena.

This stunt showcased the drivability and the agility, precision, and handling prowess of the sports car – qualities that allowed stunt-driver Alastair Moffatt to spin the car between two obstacles in a 2.25 meters gap, breaking the old record which was set in 2014 at 2.5 meters. This driver also has other records under his belt such as ‘Tightest Reverse Parallel Park’ and ‘Tightest Parallel Park’.

The exclusive features that enabled Subaru BRZ to pull off this seemingly pointless stunt include the car’s low center of gravity, its responsive 2.0 liter 197bhp engine, and above all its unique chassis and suspension setup that allows for the most controllable, most engaging oversteers in this class at least. They had also switched off the traction control and disengagedthe ABS.

Alastair Moffatt commented: “The Subaru BRZ was the perfect car in which to do it; light, highly manoeuvrable and easy to control. It’s great to have another record to my name”.

Boasting about how easy your car spins may sound like the wrong way of promoting it, but in the case of the Subaru BRZ that is actually a good thing. The rear-wheel-drive sports car has just set a Guinness World Record for the tightest 360° spin at Autosport International’s Live Action Arena.

This stunt showcased the drivability and the agility, precision, and handling prowess of the sports car – qualities that allowed stunt-driver Alastair Moffatt to spin the car between two obstacles in a 2.25 meters gap, breaking the old record which was set in 2014 at 2.5 meters. This driver also has other records under his belt such as ‘Tightest Reverse Parallel Park’ and ‘Tightest Parallel Park’.

The exclusive features that enabled Subaru BRZ to pull off this seemingly pointless stunt include the car’s low center of gravity, its responsive 2.0 liter 197bhp engine, and above all its unique chassis and suspension setup that allows for the most controllable, most engaging oversteers in this class at least. They had also switched off the traction control and disengagedthe ABS.

Alastair Moffatt commented: “The Subaru BRZ was the perfect car in which to do it; light, highly manoeuvrable and easy to control. It’s great to have another record to my name”.

Though the Subaru BRZ and Mazda Miata are very different cars, they share a customer base. Whatever the differences in body style, both of these sports cars appeal to driving purists, who enjoy a level of connectedness that goes beyond the average commuter. That may be at least part of the reason that, closely following the launch of the all-new 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata, Subaru has announced a price drop for the BRZ.

The $25,695 MSRP of the 2016 Subaru BRZ is $300 below the 2015 model. Annual updates are limited to new options and equipment, including the Subaru Starlink Multimedia System, whose 6.2-inch touch screen enables smartphone-like gesture input. A backup camera is now standard as well. The 200 horsepower, 2.0 liter boxer four-cylinder engine, standard limited-slip differential and lightweight body have not changed.

Subaru has lowered prices by approximately the same amount across the board, so the Alcantara-trimmed Limited starts at $27,395 with a six-speed manual and $28,495 with the six-speed automatic. The BRZ Limited is also equipped with dual-zone climate control and heated seats.

Subaru is launching a mildly refreshed version of the BRZ sports car in America as the new modelyear. The 2016 Subaru BRZ looks the same and it goes the same as before, but it comes with a new multimedia system and is priced $300 lower than previous model at $25,395.

For some reason Toyota and Subaru are reluctant to give the GT86/BRZ the power boost the fans are so eagerly awaiting. Instead, every once in a while they come up with some visual mod or equipment upgrade in hope that the sales would pick up. So the 2016 Subaru BRZ gets the same 200 hp flat-four engine as before, complemented with sport-tuned suspension with front strut brace and TORSEN limited-slip differential.

You do, however, get the SUBARU STARLINK 6.2” Multimedia System with a 6.2-in. single-touch gesture display. This thing is a connectivity god, featuring a reversing camera, HD radio, satellite radio, Bluetooth, USB, iPod, smartphone integration with all the good apps, and…

The Limited trim level for 2016 Subaru BRZ comes with a body-color trunk spoiler, fog lights and Alcantara trimmed interior and Keyless Access as well as dual-zone automatic climate control. This one starts from $27,395. Models equipped with the 6-speed automatic transmission are $1,100 more expensive.

You have been waiting for this, haven’t you? Finally we get to see a proper head to head battle between two hottest sports car on the planet right now, the new 2016 Mazda MX-5 and the Subaru BRZ. So let’s join Motor Trend’s Carlos Lago as he finds out which one of these bad boys is the best driver’s car, the most fun to toss around.

For once the BRZ is up against a rival that is not more powerful than it. Mazda MX-5 Miata is actually quite a bit less powerful (155 hp vs BRZ’s 200), but it’s also quite a bit lighter and is equipped with the Club package which adds Bilstein shocks, Brembo brakes, and BBS wheels. So this should be really interesting:

Regardless of the results of this test, the fanboys of these cars are going to continue bickering with each other and making preposterous argument as to why their favorite car is better. Hard-core car lovers are like tech geeks who get worked up arguing about their favorite smartphones or operating systems. Our advice is, first, if you can afford it buy them both. If you can’t, get the Mazda and drive it for a bit, and if you didn’t like it just trade it in for a BRZ.

American Subaru customers can now order a new limited edition of the BRZ sports car and WRX sports sedan painted in a unique shade of blue. The HyperBlue Subaru BRZ and WRX models also come with extra equipment, but no change in performance.

So once again the fans looking for a proper power upgrade for the BRZ are let down by the company who are giving them some useless garnish they don’t need anyway. The HyperBlue Subaru BRZ comes with a STARLINK 6.2” Multimedia System boasting a full host of connectivity features, leather and Alcantara upholstery with Hyper blue leather seat bolsters and head restraint as well as blue stitching and accents, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 17-inch alloys and “simulated” carbon fiber center dash panel.

The power output remains the same 200 hp it has been for the past three years. You don’t even get the STI suspension and Brembo brakes you get with the Japanese special edition BRZ.